Kentucky wildlife officials warn of increased black bear sightings this summer
Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources said sightings of black bears can occur outside of their primary range in eastern Kentucky, especially in the early summer. Kentucky wildlife officials have warned of increased black bear sightings this summer, particularly in early summer. The Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources stated that young black bear males often wander outside of their primary range in eastern Kentucky to establish new homes and mates. These bears can be seen on farms, in residential areas, and occasionally in towns or cities. If confronted, people should keep their distance and remove food sources that encourage the bear to stay around. Black bears have a natural fear of people and dogs, and adverse encounters are rare.
Publicerad : 11 månader sedan förbi i Science
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- People are asked to be mindful of black bears around Kentucky this summer.
Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources said sightings of black bears can occur outside of their primary range in eastern Kentucky, especially in the early summer. Young black bear males leave their primary range in the spring and summer to establish new homes and search for mates.
The bears might be seen on farms, in residential areas and occasionally in towns or cities.
"As young males roam out of the mountain counties, they can sometimes find themselves accidentally entering an urban area," John Hast, Bear Program coordinator for Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, said in a news release. "These bears typically lay low during daylight hours and move to exit the city at night. Allowing the bear to wander out of town is generally the safest approach for the bear and the residents."
There are bear populations in both eastern Kentucky and the Ozarks region in Missouri. The bears may wander for several weeks. According to a news release, the bears can travel 20 miles or more in a day, if undisturbed.
"Not having any idea where they are, and likely being scared with all the new sights and sounds, bears can easily get lost and wander further into a town or city instead of away," Hast said. "If a bear is encountered anywhere, and especially in an urban area, people should keep their distance and remove any food sources that might encourage the bear to stay around."
Kentucky Fish and Wildlife said black bears have a natural fear of people and dogs, and adverse encounters are extremely rare. People shouldn't approach or feed a bar.
Ämnen: Wildlife, Black Bears